5 Ways to Find Freelance Clients Without Using Social Media

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Platforms like LinkedIn are great places to find gigs – but how can you find freelance clients without using social media?

Maybe you want to spend less time online or maybe you’re looking for a couple of unique ways to find new clients.

As a freelancer, you don’t want to become too reliant on just one platform for work – and it’s always good to have a few tricks up your sleeve!

5 ways to find freelance clients without using social media

There are a few key ways to find freelance clients without using social media, including:

1. Word of mouth and referrals
2. Networking and events
3. Leads through your website
4. Warm pitching
5. Job boards

Many of these ideas may go alongside your social media strategy – or you might want to implement them without using social media. Let’s take a closer look…

1. Word of mouth and referrals

Word of mouth is a great way to get freelance clients. It feels so good to know that someone has thought of you for a gig – and even better, they think you’ll do a good job.

A previous client might recommend you for a job or you might get a referral from someone else in your industry.

I recommend making friends with people in your field. Not only is it important to stay connected as a freelancer, but it’s also a great way to stay on top of current job openings.

You might hear about a new client from a friend – or that friend might refer you for a job that’s perfect for you. Trust me, your connections can go a long way.

I also recommend reaching out to clients for referrals. It might feel a bit cringe, but asking previous or current clients is a great way to get more work.

2. Networking and events

You don’t have to use social media to get your business out there. Attend networking events on a regular basis to speak with other businesses, professionals and potential clients.

You could go to an event for people in your industry or attend a local networking group. It’s not about selling your services, it’s just about meeting new people and seeing where your connections take you.

There are so many different ways to network, whether you’re a freelance interpreter or a writer. You might prefer to attend online networking events or you might like going for 1 to 1 coffee catch-ups.

Getting your name out there encourages others to think of you when gigs come up – and you can get to know some lovely people, too.

3. Leads through your website

So, here’s where I’m a bit of a hypocrite – I actually don’t have my own website! I have this blog, so potential clients can find me through here, but I don’t have a website purely dedicated to my freelance services.

However, generating leads through your website is a great way to get organic traffic and encourage clients to see your services.

As a freelance content writer, I’ve worked on a lot of websites. There are a few key basics you need, including:

• About page
• Contact page
• Pages about your services
• A blog

When you post on social media, you don’t actually own any of the content. Your account could be blocked or shut down at a moment’s notice. Your website is a place all of your own – and you can use it to promote yourself.

A good website will help you generate leads via search engines. Add a blog to improve your website’s SEO and tell your customers a bit about you, your story and your services.

Check out my SEO freelance content writing services to find out how I can help you get your business out to more people.

4. Warm pitching

Warm pitching is when you pitch your services to a contact you already know. You might have a professional relationship with them or it could be an old boss, for example.

While some freelancers have great success with cold pitching, it can take a lot of time and energy. Warm pitching is often a more rewarding process.

It’s easier to start a conversation with someone you already know – and you can make sure to properly tailor your pitch to their needs.

Who do you already know? How can you approach these people about your services? Do you have any old bosses or companies that may offer you work?

I applied for an internship straight out of University. I didn’t get it, but I contacted the company a year later telling them about my content writing services. They became one of my first-ever freelance writing clients – and I ended up writing three blog posts for their website.

You never know when a friend, colleague, connection or even failed interview is going to turn into an opportunity!

5. Job boards

Most industries will have online or even in-person job boards to promote new gigs. Instead of reaching out to people about your services, you can contact companies who are actively looking for freelancers. This takes some of the guesswork out of your outreach.

There are a few great freelance writing sites, job boards and resources, including:

• All Things Freelance Writing
• The Writer’s Job Newsletter
• Rachel Meltzer
• Sian Meades-William

Sites like Upwork or Fiver can be great, but they’re sometimes a bit hit-and-miss. Try looking for newsletters and job boards curated by freelancers or professionals in your industry, as these resources should be a little more reliable.

FAQs: Finding freelance clients without using social media

Can you find freelance clients without using social media?

Yes! There are lots of ways to find freelance clients without using social media. You can attend networking events, look at job boards or get referrals from other freelancers and previous clients.

Don’t be afraid to get inventive! If you’re a translator or interpreter, you could advertise in The Linguist Magazine or contact local businesses about potential collaborations, for example.

How can I find my first freelance writing gig?

Finding your first freelance gig can be tricky – especially if you’re still building up your experience. I recommend creating a portfolio. You could start a blog or write a few spec pieces to show prospective clients that you know what you’re doing.

Try looking on job boards or speaking to people you already know. You might want to try out different techniques until you understand exactly what works for you.

What’s the best way to find new clients as a freelancer?

There’s no right way to find new clients as a freelancer. I’ve previously received work by applying for a job on Indeed – and I’ve heard of freelancers who got work through their parenting WhatsApp group!

Social media is a great way to reach out to new clients, but there are lots of methods to find freelance clients without using social media, too.

Check out job postings online, tell everyone you know about your services, ask other freelancers or clients for recommendations, and generate organic leads through your website.

How do you find freelance clients? Do you use social media as a freelancer? What’s your favourite way to find new clients?

Tell me all your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

Happy reading x